• Using customized ringtones is part of the fun of owning an iPhone. Download ringtones from the iTunes store or create your own ringtones out of existing music files. If you are experiencing problems importing ringtones onto your iPhone, you have either a file problem, a memory issue or a hardware problem.
  
  

File Problem

• A ringtone file must meet certain criteria in order to function properly on your iPhone. First, the ringtone file must have a file extension of .M4R. If it doesn't have this extension, your iPhone won't recognize the file as a ringtone and will import the file as a regular music file. If you downloaded the ringtone from the iTunes store, this shouldn't be an issue. However, if you created your own ringtone, you should change the file extension to .M4R. Ringtone files must not be longer than 30 seconds---they won't be imported onto your iPhone. Again, if you've downloaded your ringtone from the iTunes store, this won't be an issue. If you've created your own ringtone file, shorten the file to less than 30 seconds.
  
  

Memory Problem

• Your iPhone has a limited amount of memory. If you have loaded too much media onto your iPhone, you may not have enough memory to import a ringtone. When you attempt to import the ringtone onto your iPhone, you receive an error message stating that your iPhone has run out of drive space. You'll need to remove some of the current media on the iPhone in order to make space for a ringtone.
  
  

Hardware Problems

• Problems with your hardware can stop you from importing ringtones onto your iPhone. The hardware problem might be with your iPhone's connection port. If there is a stuck pin inside of the port, the iPhone can't connect to your computer. Without a proper connection, no files can be transferred, including ringtones. There could be an issue with the iPhone USB connection cable. If this cable is broken in any way, the iPhone cannot be connected to your computer. Finally, your computer's USB port may be damaged.